Siloxane dry cleaning composition and process

ABSTRACT

A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants and, optionally water, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S.Ser. No. 09/ 742,760 filed Dec. 20, 2000 which application claims rightsof priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.60/187,204, filed Mar. 3, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is directed to a dry cleaning composition,more specifically, to a siloxane fluid based composition, for use in drycleaning and to a dry cleaning process using the composition.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Current dry cleaning technology uses perchloroethylene (“PERC”)or petroleum-based materials as the cleaning solvent. PERC suffers fromtoxicity and odor issues. The petroleum-based products are not aseffective as PERC in cleaning garments.

[0004] Cyclic siloxanes have been reported as spot cleaning solutions,see U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,930, and as dry cleaning fluids in dry cleaningmachines, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,007. Other patents disclose the use ofsilicone soaps in petroleum solvents, see JP 09299687, and the use ofsilicone surfactants in super critical carbon dioxide solutions has beenreported, see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,705 and Chem. Mark.Rep., Dec. 15, 1997, 252(24), p. 15. Non-volatile silicone oils havealso been used as the cleaning solvent requiring removal by a secondwashing with perfluoroalkane to remove the silicone oil, see JP06327888.

[0005] Numerous other patents have issued in which siloxanes ororganomodified silicones have been present as addenda in PERC orpetroleum based dry cleaning solvents, see, for example, WO 9401510;U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,853; U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,231; U.S. Pat. No.4,065,258.

[0006] There is a continued interest in providing an additive oradditives to enhance the cleaning ability of silicone based dry cleaningsolvents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a drycleaning composition, comprising a volatile siloxane and two or moresurfactants.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a methodfor dry cleaning an article, comprising contacting the article with acomposition comprising a volatile siloxane and two or more surfactants.

[0009] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to aconcentrate composition, comprising two or more surfactants.

[0010] The composition and process of the present invention exhibitimproved performance, such as for example, removal of water solublestains from the article, for example a garment, being cleaned, improvedfeel and hand, and improved refinishing of the article. The presentinvention also provides for the removal of oil soluble stains such asmotor oil and grease.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises, based on100 parts by weight (“pbw”) of the composition, from greater than 90 pbwto 99.99 pbw, more preferably from 92 pbw to 99.9 pbw and even morepreferably from 95 pbw to 99.5 pbw of the volatile siloxane and from0.001 pbw to less than 10 pbw, more preferably from 0.01 pbw to 8 pbwand even more preferably from 0.1 pbw to 5 pbw of the surfactants. Thecomposition optionally further comprises water, preferably from 0.01 pbwto 15 pbw, more preferably from 0.1 pbw to less than 12 pbw and evenmore preferably from 0.2 pbw to 10 pbw of water. The volatile siloxaneutilized in the present invention may be a linear, branched or cyclicsiloxane.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the water may be added as “free” wateror may be delivered by an emulsion containing other components such assiloxanes, hydrocarbons, surfactants, or other suitable additives. Ifthe water is delivered by an emulsion, the emulsion may be prepared bysuch methods as homogenization of the components or mechanical stirringof the mixture.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant comprises two or moreorganic surfactants selected from the classes of nonionic, cationic,anionic and amphoteric surfactants. In one preferred embodiment, twoorganic surfactants are mixed together for use in the composition. Inanother preferred embodiment, three organic surfactants are mixedtogether for use in the composition. In another preferred embodiment,four organic surfactants are mixed together for use in the composition.In another preferred embodiment, five organic surfactants are mixedtogether for use in the composition. In another preferred embodiment,more than five organic surfactants are mixed together for use in thecomposition.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, aconcentrate composition comprises two or more surfactants, preferablytwo or more organic surfactants selected from the classes of nonionic,cationic, anionic and amphoteric surfactants. The composition comprises,based on 100 pbw of the composition, from 0.1 to 99.9 pbw of onesurfactant and from 0.1 to 99.9 pbw of a second surfactant. Optionally,the concentrate composition may further comprise from 0.1 to 99.8 pbw ofone or more additional organic surfactants. The concentrate compositionmay optionally further comprise a siloxane fluid. The concentratecomposition may be added to a cleaning fluid, for example a dry cleaningsolvent, for use in cleaning processes.

[0015] Compounds suitable as the linear or branched, volatile siloxanesolvent of the present invention are those containing a polysiloxanestructure that includes from 2 to 20 silicon atoms. Preferably, thelinear or branched, volatile siloxanes are relatively volatilematerials, having, for example, a boiling of below about 300° C. pointat a pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury (“mm Hg”).

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the linear or branched, volatilesiloxane comprises one or more compounds of the structural formula (I):

M_(2+y+2z)D_(x)T_(y)Q_(z)  (I)

[0017] wherein:

[0018] M is R¹ ₃SiO_(½);

[0019] D is R²R³SiO_({fraction (2/2)});

[0020] T is R⁴SiO_({fraction (3/2)});

[0021] and Q is SiO_({fraction (4/2)})

[0022] R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbonradical; and

[0023] x and y are each integers, wherein 0≦x≦10 and 0≦y≦10 and 0≦z≦10.

[0024] Suitable monovalent hydrocarbon groups include acyclichydrocarbon radicals, monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals,monovalent and aromatic or fluoro containing hydrocarbon radicals.Preferred monovalent hydrocarbon radicals are monovalent alkyl radicals,monovalent aryl radicals and monovalent aralkyl radicals. In a highlypreferred embodiment, the monovalent hydrocarbon radical is a monovalent(C₁-C₆)alkyl radical, most preferably, methyl.

[0025] As used herein, the term “(C₁-C₆)alkyl” means a linear orbranched alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbons per group, such as,for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl,sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, preferably methyl.

[0026] As used herein, the term “aryl” means a monovalent unsaturatedhydrocarbon ring system containing one or more aromatic or fluorocontaining rings per group, which may optionally be substituted on theone or more aromatic or fluoro containing rings, preferably with one ormore (C₁-C₆)alkyl groups and which, in the case of two or more rings,may be fused rings, including, for example, phenyl,2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2-isopropylmethylphenyl, 1-pentalenyl, naphthyl,anthryl, preferably phenyl.

[0027] As used herein, the term “aralkyl” means an aryl derivative of analkyl group, preferably a (C₂-C₆)alkyl group, wherein the alkyl portionof the aryl derivative may, optionally, be interrupted by an oxygenatom, such as, for example, phenylethyl, phenylpropyl,2-(1-naphthyl)ethyl, preferably phenylpropyl, phenyoxypropyl,biphenyloxypropyl.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the linear or branched, volatilesiloxane comprises one or more of, hexamethyldisiloxane,octamethyltrisiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane,dodecamethylpentasiloxane, tetradecamethylhexasiloxane orhexadecamethylheptasiloxane or methyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane. In amore highly preferred embodiment, the linear or branched, volatilesiloxane of the present invention comprises octamethyltrisiloxane,decamethyltetrasiloxane, or dodecamethylpentasiloxane ormethyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane. In a highly preferred embodiment, thesiloxane component of the composition of the present invention consistsessentially of decamethyltetrasiloxane.

[0029] Suitable linear or branched volatile siloxanes are made by knownmethods, such as, for example, hydrolysis and condensation of one ormore of tetrachlorosilane, methyltrichlorosilane,dimethyldichlorosilane, trimethyichlorosilane, or by isolation of thedesired fraction of an equilibrate mixture of hexamethyldisiloxane andoctamethylcyclotetrasiloxane or the like and are commercially available.

[0030] Compounds suitable as the cyclic siloxane component of thepresent invention are those containing a polysiloxane ring structurethat includes from 2 to 20 silicon atoms in the ring. Preferably, thelinear, volatile siloxanes and cyclic siloxanes are relatively volatilematerials, having, for example, a boiling point of below about 300° C.at a pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury (“mm Hg”).

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the cyclic siloxane componentcomprises one or more compounds of the structural formula (II):

[0032] wherein:

[0033] R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbongroup, preferably a (C₁-C₆)alkyl, more preferably, methyl; and a and bare each integers wherein 0≦a≦10 and 0≦b≦10, provided that 3≦(a+b)≦10.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the cyclic siloxane comprises one ormore of, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane,dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane. In amore highly preferred embodiment, the cyclic siloxane of the presentinvention comprises octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane ordecamethylcyclopentasiloxane. In a highly preferred embodiment, thecyclic siloxane component of the composition of the present inventionconsists essentially of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.

[0035] Suitable cyclic siloxanes are made by known methods, such as, forexample, hydrolysis and condensation of dimethyldichlorosilane and arecommercially available.

[0036] The organic surfactants of the present invention comprise two ormore surfactants selected from nonionic, cationic, anionic andamphoteric surfactants. The surfactants may comprise two or moresurfactants selected from the same or different classes.

[0037] Compounds suitable for use as the nonionic surfactant of thepresent invention are those that carry no discrete charge when dissolvedin aqueous media. Nonionic surfactants are generally known in the artand include, for example, alkanol amides (such as, for example, coco,lauric, oleic and stearic monoethanolamides, diethanolamides andmonoisopropanolamides), amine oxides (such as, for example,polyoxyethylene ethanolamides and polyoxyethylene propanolamides),polyalkylene oxide block copolymers (such as, for example,poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene)), ethoxylated alcohols, (such as, forexample, isostearyl polyoxyethylene alcohol, lauryl, cetyl, stearyl,oleyl, tridecyl, trimethylnonyl, isodecyl, tridecyl), ethoxylatedalkylphenols (such as, for example, nonylphenol), ethoxylated amines andethoxylated amides, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty estersand ethoxylated fatty oils (such as, for example, mono- and diesters ofacids such as lauric, isostearic, pelargonic, oleic, coco, stearic, andricinoleic, and oils such as castor oil and tall oil), fatty esters,fluorocarbon containing materials, glycerol esters (such as, forexample, glycerol monostearate, glycerol monolaurate, glyceroldilaurate, glycerol monoricinoleate, and glycerol oleate), glycol esters(such as, for example, propylene glycol monostearate, ethylene glycolmonostearate, ethylene glycol distearate, diethylene glycol monolaurate,diethylene glycol monolaurate, diethylene glycol monooleate, anddiethylene glycol stearate), lanolin-based surfactants, monoglycerides,phosphate esters, polysaccharide ethers, propoxylated fatty acids,propoxylated alcohols, and propoxylated alkylphenols, protein-basedorganic surfactants, sorbitan-based surfactants (such as, for example,sorbitan oleate, sorbitan monolaurate, and sorbitan palmitate), sucroseesters and glucose esters, and thio- and mercapto-based surfactants.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, one component of the present inventioncomprises one or more nonionic surfactants according to one or more ofthe structural formulas III and IV:

R⁹—O—(CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n)—R¹⁰  (III)

R⁹—O—(CH₂—C(CH₃)H—O)_(n)—R¹⁰  (IV)

[0039] wherein:

[0040] R⁹ is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of from 1 to 30 carbons thatmay be linear, cyclic, branched, unsaturated, aromatic or fluorocontaining; R¹⁰ is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 30carbons that may be linear, cyclic, branched, unsaturated, aromatic orfluoro containing; and n is from about 1 to about 100, more preferablyfrom about 1 to about 40. In a highly preferred embodiment, R⁹ containsfrom 2 to about 24 carbons, even more preferably from 8 to 24 carbons,R¹⁰ is H and n is from about 2 to about 20.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, one component of the presentinvention comprises one or more nonionic surfactants that may be asugar-based surfactant according to one or more of the structuralformulas V and VI:

[0042] wherein:

[0043] each R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴ and R²⁵ isindependently H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 30 carbonsthat may be linear, cyclic, branched, an oxygenated alkane or otherchalcogen containing group. These surfactants may also be the open-chainanalogs. In a preferred embodiment each R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰, R²¹, R²²,R²³, R²⁴ and R²⁵ is independently H or a hydroxy-terminatedpolyoxyethylene of 1 to 10 repeat units, a monovalent hydrocarbon groupof 1 to 4 carbons or a carboxyalkyl group of from 2 to 9 carbons. Inanother preferred embodiment, R¹⁷, R²⁰ and R²¹ are monovalenthydrocarbon radicals of 8 of 20 carbons and R²⁵ is —CH₂—OR′ with R′ ahydrocarbon group of from 1 to 4 carbons.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, one component of the presentinvention comprises one or more nonionic surfactants that may be anamine-based or phosphate ester-based surfactant according to one or moreof the structural formulas VII and VIII:

[0045] wherein:

[0046] each R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵, and R¹⁶ is independently H or amonovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 30 carbons that may be linear,cyclic, branched, unsaturated, aromatic, fluoro containing, anoxygenated alkane or other chalcogen containing group. In a preferredembodiment, R¹¹, R¹², R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are H or monovalent hydrocarbonradicals of 1 to 4 carbons and R¹³ and R¹⁶ are monovalent hydrocarbonradicals of 6 to 24 carbons. In another preferred embodiment, R¹¹, R¹²,R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are monovalent hydrocarbon radicals of 6 to 24 carbons andR¹³ and R¹⁶ are H or monovalent hydrocarbon radicals of 1 to 4 carbons.

[0047] Compounds suitable for use as the anionic surfactant of thepresent invention are those having polar, solubilizing groups such ascarboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate and phosphate. Anionic surfactants aregenerally known in the art and include, for example, alkyl arylsulfonates (such as, for example, alkylbenzenesulfonates), alkyl arylsulfonic acids (such as, for example, sodium and ammonium salts oftoluene-, xylene- and isopropylbenzenesulfonic acids), sulfonated aminesand sulfonated amides (such as, for example, amidosulfonates),carboxylated alcohols and carboxylated alkylphenol ethoxylates, diphenylsulfonates, fatty esters, isethionates, lignin-based surfactants, olefinsulfonates (such as, for example, RCH═CHSO₃Na, where R is C₁₀-C₁₆),phosphorous-based surfactants, protein based surfactants,sarcosine-based surfactants (such as, for example, N-acylsarcosinatessuch as sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate), sulfates and sulfonates of oilsand/or fatty acids, sulfates and sulfonates of ethoxylated alkylphenols,sulfates of alcohols, sulfates of ethoxylated alcohols, sulfates offatty esters, sulfates of aromatic or fluoro containing compounds,sulfosuccinnamates, sulfosuccinates (such as, for example, diamyl-,dioctyl- and diisobutylsulfosuccinates), taurates, and sulfonic acids.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, one component of the present inventioncomprises one or more anionic surfactants that may be a sulfosuccinate,sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate, or phosphorous containing surfactantaccording to one or more of the structural formulas IX to XIII:

(R²⁸—OSO₃ ⁻)_(q)X⁺  (X)

(R²⁸—SO₃ ⁻)_(q)X⁺  (XI)

(R²⁹—CO₂ ⁻)_(q)X⁺  (XII)

(R³⁰—OPO₃ ⁻)_(q)X⁺  (XIII)

[0049] wherein:

[0050] each R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁸, R²⁹ and R³⁰ is independently a monovalenthydrocarbon group of 1 to 30 carbons that may be linear, cyclic,branched, unsaturated, aromatic, fluoro containing, an oxygenated alkaneor other chalcogen containing radical, and X is H or an alkali metal,alkaline earth element or a chalcogen containing counterion or othersuitable cation that does not unduly interfere with the functioning ofthe molecule as a surfactant where the subscript q is the valence oroxidation state of the cation X. In a preferred embodiment, R²⁶ and R²⁷are each independently a linear, cyclic, or branched monovalenthydrocarbon group of 4 to 20 carbons, more preferably a linear, cyclic,or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group of 6 to 13 carbons; R²⁸ is amonovalent hydrocarbon group of 4 to 20 carbons, more preferably from 8to 16 carbons; R²⁹ is monovalent hydrocarbon group of 8 to 26 carbons,more preferably from 10 to 20 carbons; and R³⁰ is monovalent hydrocarbongroup of 8 to 30 carbons.

[0051] Compounds suitable for use as the cationic surfactant of thepresent invention are those having a positive charge when dissolved inaqueous media, which resides on an amino or quaternary nitrogen.Cationic surfactants are generally known in the art and include, forexample, amine acetates, amines (such as, for example, oxygen-freeamines such as monoalkylamines, dialkylamines and N-alkyltrimethylenediamines, and oxygen-containing amines such as amine oxides, ethoxylatedalkylamines, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazolines, and alkoxylates ofethylenediamine), and quaternary ammonium salts (such as, for example,dialkyldimethylammonium salts, alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides,alkyltrimethylammonium salts and alkylpyridium halides), and quaternaryammonium esters (such as, for example, diethyl ester dimethyl ammoniumchloride).

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, one component of the present inventioncomprises one or more cationic surfactants that may be a quaternaryamine-based surfactant according to the structural formula XIV

(R³¹R³²R³³R³⁴N⁺)_(p)J⁻  (XIV)

[0053] wherein:

[0054] each R³¹, R³², R³³, and R³⁴ is independently H or a monovalenthydrocarbon group of 1 to 30 carbons that may be linear, cyclic,branched, unsaturated, aromatic, fluoro containing, an oxygenated alkaneor other chalcogen containing group, and J is a suitable anion having anoxidation state or valence p that does not unduly interfere with thefunctioning of the molecule as a surfactant. In a preferred embodiment,R³¹ and R³² are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical of 1to 4 carbons and R³³ and R³⁴ are each independently a monovalenthydrocarbon radical of 8 to 24 carbons.

[0055] Compounds suitable for use as the amphoteric surfactant of thepresent invention are those containing both an acidic and basichydrophilic group. Amphoteric surfactants are compatible with anionicand cationic surfactants. Amphoteric surfactants are generally known inthe art and include, for example, betaine derivatives such asalkylbetaines and amidopropylbetaines, block copolymers, imidazolinesand lecithins.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, one component of the present inventioncomprises one or more amphoteric surfactants according to the structuralformula XV:

[0057] wherein:

[0058] each R³⁵, R³⁶ and R³⁷ is independently H or a monovalenthydrocarbon group of 1 to 30 carbons that may be linear, cyclic,branched, unsaturated, aromatic, fluoro containing, an oxygenated alkaneor other chalcogen containing group, G is a divalent spacer group, Y isa carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate or other similar group.In a preferred embodiment, R³⁵ is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to4 carbons, more preferably methyl, and R³⁶ and R³⁷ are eachindependently monovalent hydrocarbon group of 6 to 24 carbons.

[0059] Surfactants are known in the art and are commercially availableunder many trade names from many sources, such as for example, AkzoChemical Co., Calgene Chemical Inc., Emkay Chemical Co., Hercules, Inc.,ICI Americas Inc., Lonza, Inc., Rhone Poulenc, Inc., Union Carbide Corp.and Witco Corp.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, one component of the present inventioncomprises a silicone surfactant or mixture of silicone surfactantswherein the silicone surfactant comprises one or more polyether siloxanecompounds those according to the structural formula (formula XVI):

M_(e)D_(f)D*_(g)M*_(2-e)  (XVI)

[0061] wherein:

[0062] M is R³⁸ ₃SiO_(½);

[0063] D is R³⁹ ₂SiO_({fraction (2/2)});

[0064] M* is R⁴⁰ ₃SiO_(½);

[0065] D* is R⁴¹ ₂SiO_({fraction (2/2)});

[0066] each R³⁸, R³⁹ is independently H, a monovalent hydrocarbon group.

[0067] each R⁴⁰ is independently H, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or

[0068] —(CH₂)_(h)—O—(C₂H₄O)_(i)—(C₃H₆O)_(j)—(C_(n)O_(2n)O)_(k)—R⁴²,provided that at least one R⁴⁰is—(CH₂)_(h)—O—(C₂H₄O)_(i)—(C₃H₆O)_(j)—(C_(n)O_(2n)O)_(k)—R⁴²;

[0069] each R⁴¹ is independently H, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or

[0070] —(CH₂)_(h)—O—(C₂H₄O)_(i)—(C₃H₆O)_(j)—(C_(n)O_(2n)O)_(k)—R⁴²,provided that at least one R⁴¹ is—(CH₂)_(h)—O—(C₂H₄O)_(i)—(C₃H₆O)_(j)—(C_(n)O_(2n)O)_(k)—R⁴²;

[0071] R⁴² is H, a monovalent hydrocarbon group or alkyloxy;

[0072] 0≦e≦2;

[0073] 0≦f≦1000;

[0074] 0≦g≦50, provided that g≧1 if e is 2;

[0075] 1≦h≦16;

[0076] 0≦i≦30;

[0077] 0≦j≦30;

[0078] 0≦k≦30; and

[0079] 4≦n≦8, provided that i+j+k>0.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, 2≦i≦25, 0≦j≦25 and 0≦k≦25, morepreferably k is 0.

[0081] The composition of the present invention may, optionally, containother components, such as, for example, fabric conditioners,brighteners, bleaching agents, enzymes, water-repellent treatments,anti-static agents, fragrances and detergents.

[0082] Generally the compositions of the present invention comprise twoor more surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic,nonionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants. In one preferredembodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises two ormore anionic surfactants, or two or more cationic surfactants, or two ormore nonionic surfactants or two or more amphoteric surfactants,preferably two or more anionic surfactants or two or more nonionicsurfactants. In another preferred embodiment, the composition of thepresent invention comprises a sulfosuccinate surfactant and a sulfonicacid surfactant, more preferably sulfosuccinate anddodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, or a sulfated anionic surfactant and asulfosuccinate, or a sulfated anionic surfactant and a sulfonic acidsurfactant, more preferably sulfosuccinate and dodecylbenzenesulfonicacid, or a nonionic polymeric surfactant and an ethoxylated alcohol.

[0083] In another preferred embodiment, the composition of the presentinvention comprises at least two surfactants selected from anionic,nonionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants, provided that at leasttwo of the surfactants are selected from two different members of thegroup of surfactants, such that there is at least one anionic surfactantand at least one cationic surfactant, or at least one anionic surfactantand at least one nonionic surfactant, or at least one nonionicsurfactant and at least one cationic surfactant, or at least one anionicsurfactant and at least one amphoteric surfactant, or at least oneamphoteric surfactant and at least one cationic surfactant or at leastone nonionic surfactant and at least one amphoteric surfactant. In ahighly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present inventioncomprises a sulfoccinate and a quaternary ammonium salt, or a sulfatedanionic surfactant and an ethoxylated alcohol, or a sulfonic acid, morepreferably dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, and a nonionic polymericsurfactant, or a sulfosuccinate and a nonionic polymeric surfactant, ora sulfonic acid, more preferably dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, and anethoxylated alcohol, or a sulfonic acid, more preferablydodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, and a quaternary ammonium salt, or asulfated anionic surfactant and a quaternary ammonium salt, or asulfated anionic surfactant and a nonionic polymeric surfactant, or asulfated anionic surfactant and an ethoxylated alcohol, or a sulfatedanionic surfactant and a quaternary ammonium salt, or an ethoxylatedalcohol and a quaternary ammonium salt, or a sulfosuccinate, a sulfatedanionic surfactant and two different ethoxylated alcohols, or asulfosuccinate, a sulfated anionic surfactant and a quaternary ammoniumsalt.

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, the composition of the presentinvention comprises at least three surfactants selected from the groupconsisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants.Preferably these surfactants may be chosen wherein each of the threesurfactants are selected from different surfactants in terms of anionic,nonionic, cationic or amphoteric, for example is at least one anionicsurfactant, at least one cationic surfactant and at least one nonionicsurfactant, or at least one anionic surfactant, at least one cationicsurfactant and at least one amphoteric surfactant, or at least onecationic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant and at least oneamphoteric surfactant. In a highly preferred embodiment, the compositionof the present invention comprises a sulfosuccinate, a sulfated anionicsurfactant, two different ethoxylated alcohols, and a quaternaryammonium salt, or a sulfated anionic surfactant, an ethoxylated alcoholand a quaternary ammonium salt.

[0085] In another preferred embodiment, the composition of the presentinvention comprises at least four surfactants selected from the group ofanionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants, provided that atleast one surfactant is selected from each member of the group ofsurfactants, such that there is at least one anionic surfactant, atleast one cationic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant and atleast one amphoteric surfactant.

[0086] The dry cleaning composition of the present invention is made byadding to the siloxane fluid two or more surfactants and mixing to forma homogeneous solution. The surfactants may be mixed together beforeaddition to the siloxane, or they may added to the siloxaneindividually.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the dry cleaning composition of thepresent invention further comprises a minor amount, preferably, lessthan 50 pbw per 100 pbw of the composition, more preferably, less than10 pbw per 100 pbw of the composition, of one or more non-siloxanefluids. Suitable non-siloxane fluids include aqueous fluids, such as,for example, water, and organic fluids, for example, hydrocarbon fluidsand halogenated hydrocarbon fluids.

[0088] According to the process of the present invention, an article,such as for example, a textile or leather article, typically, a garment,is dry cleaned by contacting the article with the composition of thepresent invention. In a preferred embodiment, the articles to be cleanedinclude textiles made from natural fibers, such as for example, cotton,wool, linen and hemp, from synthetic fibers, such as, for example,polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polypropylene fibers and elastomericfibers, from blends of natural and synthetic fibers, from natural orsynthetic leather or natural or synthetic fur.

[0089] The article and dry cleaning composition are then separated, by,for example, one or more of draining and centrifugation. In a preferredembodiment, separation of the article and dry cleaning composition isfollowed by the application of heat, preferably, heating to atemperature of from 15° C. to 120° C., preferably from 20° C. to 100°C., or reduced pressure, preferably, a pressure of from 1 mm Hg to 750mm Hg, or by application of both heat and reduced pressure, to thearticle.

[0090] The surfactant components of the dry cleaning composition aretypically depleted through use in the cleaning cycle. Some of thesurfactants remain on the articles being cleaned. To promote efficientcleaning of articles, the dry cleaning solvent is periodically cleanedor refreshed, preferably distilled, to remove the dirt that has beenremoved from the articles being cleaned. Once the solvent has beencleaned, additional surfactants are typically added to the cleanedsolvent to replenish the amount of surfactants in the solvent. Thisprocess is repeated periodically, depending on the number of uses andthe amount of soil on articles being cleaned, so that the solvent willeffectively clean and remove soil from articles, and each time,additional surfactants are added to the solvent.

[0091] In another preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition ofthe present invention is added to the dry cleaning composition toreplenish the surfactants that have been depleted.

[0092] The concentrate composition of the present invention can be madein any of the combinations of organic disclosed above, such as, forexample, a concentrate composition comprising at least one anionicsurfactant and at least one cationic surfactant, or at least two anionicsurfactants. The concentrate composition may optionally further comprisea siloxane fluid. In a highly preferred embodiment, the concentratecomposition of the present invention comprises at least one anionicsurfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant, and optionally, asiloxane fluid. The concentrate composition may optionally furthercomprise additional components known in the art, such as, for example,brighteners, softeners, water, fragrances and the like.

[0093] The concentrate composition of the present invention is made byadding together two or more surfactants in desired amounts, andoptionally, a siloxane fluid, and stirring to form a homogeneoussolution. The concentrate may then be added to a siloxane fluid to forma dry cleaning fluid at any time, such as before the initial cleaning,or after the fluid has been used to replenish the amount of surfactantin the cleaning fluid. The surfactant level in the cleaning fluid isdepleted through routine use and cleaning.

[0094] Testing for water soluble stain removal was accomplished usingfabric swatches supplied by the International Fabricare Institute(“IFI”) (Silver Spring, Md.) that contained a water soluble dye. Thecolor change of a swatch of this material was measured by a MinoltaCR-300® Colorimeter using the Hunter Color Number differencecalculations. The larger the change in Hunter Color Number (ΔE), thegreater the dye removal and the more efficient the cleaning.

[0095] The following examples are to illustrate the invention and arenot to be construed as limiting the claims.

EXAMPLES (Group A)

[0096] Testing procedure: Circular swatches (from IFI) containing awater soluble dye were measured by the calorimeter, and the initialcolor values for L, a and b (as defined by the Hunter Color Numbers)were recorded. The fabric swatches were then placed in vials containingthe cleaning composition of the present invention, and the vial wasshaken for 10 minutes at ambient temperature. The fabric swatch wasremoved and allowed to drip dry for 2 to 5 seconds, then placed onabsorbent toweling and allowed to air dry for 16 to 24 hours. A secondreading of each fabric swatch was taken and the color difference (ΔE)was determined using the following formula:

ΔE=[(L ₁ −L ₂)²+(a ₁ −a ₂)²=(b ₁ −b ₂)²]^(½)

[0097] This color difference represents the relative amount of cleaning,with the higher ΔE indicative of better cleaning performance.

Surfactants used in the Examples

[0098] Surfactant Type of Surfactant A Aerosol OT* (anionicsulfosuccinate surfactant) B Aerosol GPG* (anionic sulfosuccinatesurfactant) C Aerosol TR* (anionic sulfosuccinate surfactant) D DDBSA(dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid - anionic surfactant) E Glucopon ™ 425**(nonionic polymeric surfactant) F Anionic surfactant - R—SO₄—Na⁺ where Ris C₁₄-C₁₆ alkene G Anionic surfactant - R—PhO—(EO)₃—OSO₃—Na⁺ where R isC₁₂ H Ethoxylated Alcohol (R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)₉H where R is C₁₂-C₁₃) IEthoxylated Alcohol (R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)₇H where R is C₁₄-C₁₅) J QuaternaryAmmonium Salt (R₂R′MeN⁺Cl⁻ where R′ is alkyl, R is polyether) KEthoxylated Alcohol (R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)H where R is C₄) L Ethoxylated Alcohol(R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)₂H where R is C₄) M Ethoxylated Alcohol (R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)₃Hwhere R is C₁₂-C₁₅) N AtPhos 3250 O AtPhos 3226 P Yelkin TS (Lecithin) QUltralec F (Lecithin) R 1,2-hexanediol S Ethoxylated Alcohol(R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)₂H where R is ethylhexyl) T 1,2-butanediol U 1,2-decandiolV Didecyldimethylammonium bromide W Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide X1,6-hexanediol Y 1,10-decanediol Z Dihexadecyldimethyl ammonium bromideAA BET-C30 (amphoteric) BB JC HA (amphoteric) CC Ethoxylated Alcohol(R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)₂H where R is C₆) DD Fluorad FC135 EE Fluorad FC430

[0099] A cleaning composition according to the present inventioncontaining a cyclic siloxane (D₅) and a mixture of two surfactants fromdifferent surfactant classes was made. Fabric swatches were cleanedusing the above procedure, and the color difference was measured todetermine the effectiveness of the cleaning composition. A solution ofcyclic siloxane (D₅) without a surfactant was used as a control. Resultsare shown in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 Binary Mixtures of Surfactants in D5En- Good hanced Surf. Amt Surf. Amt Delta Clean- Clean- Exp. D₅ 1 (g) 2(g) E ing ing Control Control — — — — 1.9 — 1 14.7 A 0.15 D 0.15 43.7 X2 14.25 A 0.15 D 0.6 46.7 X 3 14.25 A 0.6 D 0.15 18.3 X 4 14.7 A 0.15 F0.15 2.9 X 5 14.25 A 0.15 F 0.6 11.7 X 6 14.25 A 0.6 F 0.15 6.4 X 7 14.7A 0.15 G 0.15 5.5 X 8 14.25 A 0.15 G 0.6 18.7 X X 9 14.25 A 0.6 G 0.1510.8 X X 10 14.7 A 0.15 H 0.15 15.4 X 11 14.25 A 0.15 H 0.6 22.6 X 1214.25 A 0.6 H 0.15 10.0 X 13 14.7 A 0.15 I 0.15 22.6 X 14 14.25 A 0.15 I0.6 7.8 X 15 14.25 A 0.6 I 0.15 22.2 X 16 14.7 A 0.15 J 0.15 14.0 X 1714.25 A 0.15 J 0.6 11.8 X 18 14.25 A 0.6 J 0.15 23.1 X X 19 14.7 A 0.15E 0.15 17.5 X X 20 14.25 A 0.15 E 0.6 3.8 X 21 14.25 A 0.6 E 0.15 30.2 XX 22 14.7 A 0.15 N 0.15 14.3 X 23 14.7 A 0.15 O 0.15 12.2 X 24 14.7 A0.15 P 0.15 6.7 X 25 14.7 A 0.15 Q 0.15 3.0 X 26 14.25 A 0.60 R 0.15 2.5X 27 14.25 A 0.15 R 0.60 4.1 X 28 14.7 A 0.15 R 0.15 10.5 X 29 14.7 A0.15 S 0.15 3.8 X 30 14.7 A 0.15 T 0.15 20.8 X 31 14.7 A 0.15 U 0.15 9.0X 32 14.25 B 0.6 R 0.15 3.2 X 33 14.25 B 0.15 R 0.60 14.3 X 34 14.7 B0.15 R 0.15 22.6 X X 35 14.7 B 0.15 S 0.15 0.7 36 14.7 B 0.15 T 0.15 6.5X 37 14.7 B 0.15 U 0.15 2.8 X 38 14.25 C 0.6 R 0.15 1.8 39 14.25 C 0.15R 0.60 3.9 X 40 14.7 C 0.15 R 0.15 24.5 X X 41 14.7 C 0.15 S 0.15 1.2 4214.7 C 0.15 T 0.15 24.1 X 43 14.7 C 0.15 U 0.15 4.0 X 44 14.7 D 0.15 F0.15 26.7 X 45 14.25 D 0.15 F 0.6 46.4 X X 46 14.25 D 0.6 F 0.15 44.4 X47 14.7 D 0.15 G 0.15 38.7 X 48 14.25 D 0.15 G 0.6 48.5 X X 49 14.25 D0.6 G 0.15 41.2 X 50 14.7 D 0.15 H 0.15 38.9 X 51 14.25 D 0.15 H 0.646.7 X 52 14.25 D 0.6 H 0.15 45.6 X 53 14.7 D 0.15 I 0.15 35.3 X 5414.25 D 0.15 I 0.6 45.5 X 55 14.25 D 0.6 I 0.15 33.6 X 56 14.7 D 0.15 J0.15 13.7 X 57 14.25 D 0.15 J 0.6 35.8 X 58 14.25 D 0.6 J 0.15 42.1 X 5914.7 D 0.15 E 0.15 38.7 X 60 14.25 D 0.15 E 0.6 43.0 X X 61 14.25 D 0.6E 0.15 2.7 X 62 14.85 D 0.015 I 0.135 27.8 X 63 14.85 D 0.015 V 0.13510.3 X 64 14.25 E 0.60 R 0.15 12.0 X 65 14.25 E 0.15 R 0.60 25.6 X 6614.7 E 0.15 R 0.15 28.6 X X 67 14.7 F 0.15 H 0.15 11.6 X 68 14.25 F 0.15H 0.6 4.8 X 69 14.25 F 0.6 H 0.15 19.0 X X 70 14.7 F 0.15 I 0.15 29.7 XX 71 14.25 F 0.15 I 0.6 3.0 X 72 14.25 F 0.6 I 0.15 19.9 X 73 14.7 F0.15 J 0.15 25.3 X 74 14.25 F 0.15 J 0.6 11.2 X 75 14.25 F 0.6 J 0.158.6 X 76 14.7 F 0.15 E 0.15 8.1 X 78 14.25 F 0.15 E 0.6 20.3 X X 7914.25 F 0.6 E 0.15 32.5 X X 80 14.85 F 0.075 R 0.075 17.8 X X 81 14.85 F0.075 U 0.075 7.0 X 82 14.7 G 0.15 H 0.15 31.4 X 83 14.25 G 0.15 H 0.610.3 X 84 14.25 G 0.6 H 0.15 6.6 X 85 14.7 G 0.15 I 0.15 28.2 X X 8614.25 G 0.15 I 0.6 2.4 X 87 14.25 G 0.6 I 0.15 24.1 X X 88 14.7 G 0.15 J0.15 25.4 X 89 14.25 G 0.15 J 0.6 25.3 X 90 14.25 G 0.6 J 0.15 10.8 X 9114.7 G 0.15 E 0.15 14.7 X X 92 14.25 G 0.15 E 0.6 5.3 X 93 14.25 G 0.6 E0.15 26.7 X X 94 14.85 G 0.075 R 0.075 7.8 X 95 14.85 G 0.075 U 0.07517.4 X X 96 14.7 H 0.15 J 0.15 35.7 X 97 14.25 H 0.15 J 0.6 35.1 X 9814.25 H 0.6 J 0.15 10.7 X 99 14.7 H 0.15 E 0.15 18.5 X 100 14.25 H 0.15E 0.6 33.2 X 101 14.25 H 0.6 E 0.15 26.1 X 102 14.7 I 0.15 J 0.15 35.0 X103 14.25 I 0.15 J 0.6 34.8 X 104 14.25 I 0.6 J 0.15 7.2 X 105 14.7 I0.15 E 0.15 5.7 X 106 14.25 I 0.15 E 0.6 2.9 X 107 14.25 I 0.6 E 0.1522.7 X 108 14.7 W 0.15 M 0.15 27.4 X 109 14.7 W 0.15 R 0.15 24.8 X X 11014.7 W 0.15 X 0.15 7.7 X 111 14.7 W 0.15 T 0.15 17.3 X 112 14.7 W 0.15 U0.15 3.9 X 113 14.7 W 0.15 Y 0.15 4.2 X 114 14.85 W 0.075 E 0.075 1.8115 14.85 W 0.015 E 0.135 6.1 X 116 14.85 W 0.075 I 0.075 32.1 X X 11714.85 W 0.015 I 0.135 4.8 X 118 14.85 W 0.015 F 0.135 1.8 119 14.85 W0.135 F 0.015 2.2 X 120 14.85 W 0.015 G 0.135 13.1 X X 121 14.85 W 0.135G 0.015 1.2 122 14.7 V 0.15 M 0.15 19.7 X 123 14.7 V 0.15 R 0.15 10.1 X124 14.7 V 0.15 X 0.15 7.3 X 125 14.7 V 0.15 T 0.15 11.3 X 126 14.7 V0.15 U 0.15 23.0 X X 127 14.7 V 0.15 Y 0.15 19.8 X X 128 14.85 V 0.075 E0.075 18.2 X X 129 14.85 V 0.015 E 0.135 7.2 X X 130 14.85 V 0.075 I0.075 23.2 X X 131 14.85 V 0.015 I 0.135 25.5 X X 132 14.85 V 0.015 F0.135 8.9 X 133 14.85 V 0.135 F 0.015 29.3 X X 134 14.85 V 0.015 G 0.13517.1 X X 135 14.85 V 0.135 G 0.015 37.8 X X 136 14.7 Z 0.15 M 0.15 25.3X X 137 14.7 Z 0.15 R 0.15 26.2 X X 138 14.7 Z 0.15 X 0.15 20.1 X 13914.7 Z 0.15 T 0.15 3.8 X 140 14.7 Z 0.15 U 0.15 2.2 X 141 14.7 Z 0.15 Y0.15 1.5 142 14.25 AA 0.6 R 0.15 6.4 X 143 14.25 AA 0.15 R 0.6 25.7 X144 14.7 AA 0.15 R 0.15 15.5 X 145 14.25 AA 0.6 E 0.15 17.8 X X 14614.25 AA 0.15 E 0.6 36.7 X X 147 14.7 AA 0.15 E 0.15 9.7 X 148 14.25 BB0.6 R 0.15 31.6 X X 149 14.25 BB 0.15 R 0.6 30.3 X X 150 14.7 BB 0.15 R0.15 34.9 X X 151 14.25 BB 0.6 E 0.15 34.1 X 152 14.25 BB 0.15 E 0.632.7 X X 153 14.7 BB 0.15 E 0.15 29.3 X X 154 14.25 R 0.6 I 0.15 2.0 15514.25 R 0.15 I 0.6 28.0 X 156 14.7 R 0.15 I 0.15 8.1 X 157 14.7 S 0.15 I0.15 8.2 X 158 14.7 S 0.15 M 0.15 17.7 X 159 14.7 CC 0.15 I 0.15 7.0 X160 14.7 CC 0.15 M 0.15 2.3 X 161 14.85 DD 0.015 A 0.135 1.5 162 14.85EE 0.015 A 0.135 9.7 X X

[0100] As shown in Table 1, almost all the binary mixtures exhibitedgood cleaning when compared to the control. The synergistic relationshipexhibited by some of the mixtures of different surfactant classes washighly unexpected and is denoted in the column labeled enhancedcleaning. Results were considered unexpected when a ΔE value greater theaverage of the two single surfactant ΔE values resulted from anexperiment. Such unexpected results are noted with a mark in all thecolumns, infra, entitled “enhanced cleaning.”

[0101] Table 2 shows the results of using a mixture of two differentsurfactants from different surfactant classes in a linear volatilesiloxane. A solution of MD₂M was used as a control. TABLE 2 BinaryMixtures of Surfactants in MD2M Surf delta Good Enhanced Run MD2MSurfactant amt 2 amt E Cleaning Cleaning 163 14.85 A 0.075 E 0.075 18.6X X 164 14.85 C 0.075 R 0.075 30.5 X X 165 14.85 F 0.075 I 0.075 12.6 X166 14.85 G 0.075 I 0.075 17.0 X X 167 14.85 G 0.075 E 0.075 5.7 X 16814.85 Z 0.075 R 0.075 24.0 X X 169 14.85 E 0.075 R 0.075 12.7 X 17014.85 BB 0.075 E 0.075 43.8 X 171 14.85 BB 0.075 R 0.075 54.8 X 17214.25 A 0.6 G 0.15 12.5 X X 173 14.7 A 0.15 E 0.15 19.3 X 174 14.25 A0.6 J 0.15 25.5 X X 175 14.7 C 0.15 R 0.15 10.0 X 176 14.25 D 0.15 F 0.654.5 X 177 14.25 D 0.15 G 0.6 34.3 X 178 14.25 D 0.15 E 0.6 40.6 X 17914.7 F 0.15 I 0.15 14.5 X 180 14.25 F 0.6 E 0.15 9.4 X 181 14.7 G 0.15 I0.15 37.4 X 182 14.7 G 0.15 E 0.15 16.5 X 183 14.7 Z 0.15 R 0.15 35.4 X184 14.85 V 0.075 E 0.075 27.2 X X 185 14.85 V 0.075 I 0.075 26.5 X X186 14.85 F 0.075 R 0.075 13.5 X 187 14.7 E 0.15 R 0.15 25.3 X 188 14.7BB 0.15 E 0.15 49.2 X 189 14.7 BB 0.15 R 0.15 46.1 X control 15 — — — —1.9 X

[0102] Table 2 shows good cleaning behavior in linear siloxane solvent.Several binary compositions exhibited enhanced (unexpected results)cleaning characteristics.

[0103] A cleaning composition according to the present inventioncontaining a cyclic siloxane (D₅) and a mixture of three or moresurfactants from different surfactant classes was made. Fabric swatcheswere cleaned using the above procedure, and the color difference wasmeasured to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning composition. Asolution of cyclic siloxane (D₅) without a surfactant was used as acontrol. TABLE 3 Mixtures of Three or More Surfactants Exp D5 Surf AmtSurf Amt Surf Amt # pbw 1 pbw 2 pbw 3 pbw Water ΔE 190 99 A 0.45 R 0.45V 0.1 — 22.6 191 95 A 2.25 R 2.25 V 0.5 — 11.9 192 98 A 0.45 R 0.45 V0.1 1 13.7 193 99 A 0.45 R 0.45 I 0.1 — 14.1 194 95 A 2.25 R 2.25 I 0.5— 10.5 195 98 A 0.45 R 0.45 I 0.1 1 3.1 196 99 A 0.45 R 0.45 E 0.1 —28.3 197 95 A 2.25 R 2.25 E 0.5 — 5.6 198 98 A 0.45 R 0.45 E 0.1 1 16.4199 99 F 0.1 R 0.45 I 0.1 — 20.4 200 95 F 0.5 R 2.25 I 2.25 — 14.1 20198 F 0.1 R 0.45 I 0.1 1 15.7 202 99 E 0.45 I 0.45 R 0.1 — 9.4 203 95 E2.45 I 2.45 R 0.1 — 4.3 204 98 E 0.45 I 0.45 R 0.1 1 12.9 205 99 E 0.45I 0.45 V 0.1 — 7.9 206 95 E 2.45 I 2.45 V 0.1 — 13.1 207 98 E 0.45 I0.45 V 0.1 1 5.4 208 99 E 0.45 I 0.45 F 0.1 — 17.5 209 95 E 2.45 I 2.45F 0.1 — 2.5 210 98 E 0.45 I 0.45 F 0.1 1 2.6

[0104] Table 3 shows that good cleaning can be obtained from mixtures ofthree organic surfactants with water optionally present. TABLE 4 HigherOrder Mixtures Surf. Amt Surf. Amt Surf. Amt Surf. Amt Surf. Amt DeltaRun D₅ 1 (g) 2 (g) 3 (g) 4 (g) 5 (g) E 1 14.34 B 0.35 F 0.11 K 0.05 J0.11 M 0.05 25.2 2 14.25 B 0.1 F 0.15 — — J 0.5 — — 34.1 3 14.25 A 0.1 F0.15 — — J 0.5 — — 35.9 4 14.25 C 0.1 F 0.15 — — J 0.5 — — 34.6 5 14.25— — F 0.15 L 0.1 J 0.5 — — 39.1 6 14.34 C 0.35 F 0.11 K 0.05 J 0.11 H0.05 14.7 7 14.34 B 0.35 F 0.11 L 0.05 J 0.11 H 0.05 12.6 8 14.34 A 0.05F 0.11 K 0.35 J 0.11 H 0.05 24.6 9 14.25 B 0.1 F 0.15 — — J 0.5 — — 36.810 14.34 C 0.35 F 0.11 L 0.05 J 0.11 M 0.05 20.9 11 14.25 B 0.30 F 0.15K 0.15 — — I 0.15 13.3

[0105] Table 4 shows cleaning benefits derived from a multiplecombination of organic surfactants.

[0106] Concentrates of surfactants were also made as exemplified by thefollowing 2 examples.

[0107] Concentrate 1:4 parts surfactant B, 2 parts, surfactant E, 2parts surfactant K and 2 parts surfactant I were added together in anappropriate container and stirred to form a homogeneous solution.

[0108] Concentrate 2:2 parts surfactant E, 2 parts, surfactant A; and 2parts surfactant R were added together in an appropriate container andstirred to form a homogeneous solution.

[0109] The present invention exhibits improved performance of drycleaning agents for stain removal, particularly water soluble stains,through the addition of a mixture of different classes of surfactants,and optionally, water.

Examples (Group B)

[0110] The respective cleaning compositions used in Examples 1-162 wereeach prepared by combining the components listed below in the relativeamounts set forth below in TABLES I - XIV below:

[0111] methyl terminated tetradimethyl siloxane (“MD₂M”);

[0112] decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (“D₅”);

[0113] polyether siloxane compounds, each according to structuralformula XVI above, were used: Ratio Number average Polyether C₂H₄O:molecular weight (MW_(n)) siloxane e f g C₃H₆O of polyether substituentR⁴² A 2 20 3 50:50 1700 H B 2 15 5 100:0  550 H C 0 3 0 100:0  900 H D 03 0 100:0  200 H E 2 500 6.5 50:50 1700 H F 2 400 18 100:0  550 H G 2 22.5 100:0  450 H H 2 12 4 100:0  450 H I 2 47 5 100:0  450 H J 2 92 6100:0  450 H K 2 40 4 50:50 1500 Bu L 2 8 2  0:100 1250 Bu M 2 0 1850:50 1500 Bu

[0114] A first set of textile samples (2″×2″ squares of red satintextile) were soiled with polar stains by pipetting droplets of an 8 wt% aqueous sodium chloride solution on each of the textile samples of theset. A second set of textile samples were soiled with nonpolar stains bypipetting droplets of fresh motor oil (Quaker State SAE 10W-30) on eachof the textile samples of the set. Each of the dry cleaning compositionswas then placed in a 4 ounce bottle. Each of the soiled textile sampleswas contacted with a respective one of the cleaning compositions byimmersing the soiled textile sample in 50 g of one of the cleaningcompositions. The textile samples and cleaning compositions wereagitated by gently shaking each of the bottles. Following agitation,each of the textile samples was removed from the cleaning composition,allowed to drain, blotted and then heated at ˜50° C. to dry the samples.The appearance of each of the dried textile samples was then evaluatedby visual inspection and rated on the following scale (an average ofthree readings is reported):

[0115] Rating

[0116] 5=complete removal of stain

[0117] 4=slight stain remaining

[0118] 3=moderate stain removal

[0119] 2=slight stain removal

[0120] 1=no stain removal

[0121] The amounts of linear, branched and cyclic siloxanes, polyethersiloxane and water used in each of Examples 1-130, as well as the typeof stain he results obtained in each of those examples are set forth inTABLES I-IX below. TABLE I Polyether MD₂M, Siloxane, H₂O, EX AmountPolyether Amount Amount Clean- # (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 1 49.5Salt — — — 2.7 2 49.5 Salt A 0.5 — 4 3 49 Salt A 0.5 0.5 4.3 4 49.5 SaltF 0.5 — 3.7 5 49 Salt F 0.5 0.5 3.7 6 49.5 Salt B 0.5 — 4 7 49 Salt B0.5 0.5 4 8 49.5 Salt C 0.5 — 3.3 9 49 Salt C 0.5 0.5 4 10 49.5 Salt D0.5 — 5 11 49 Salt D 0.5 0.5 4 12 49.5 Salt E 0.5 — 3.3 13 49 Salt F 0.50.5 4.3 14 49.5 Salt B/E 0.25/0.25 — 4 15 49 Salt B/E 0.25/0.25 0.5 4.7

[0122] TABLE II Polyether MD₂M, Siloxane, H₂O, EX Amount PolyetherAmount Amount Clean- # (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 16 47.5 Salt — — —2.7 17 47.5 Salt A 2.5 — 4 18 47 Salt A 2.5 0.5 5 19 47.5 Salt F 2.5 — 420 47 Salt F 2.5 0.5 4.7 21 47.5 Salt B 2.5 — 4.7 22 47 Salt B 2.5 0.54.7 23 47.5 Salt C 2.5 — 3.7 24 47 Salt C 2.5 0.5 5 25 47.5 Salt D 2.5 —4.3 26 47 Salt D 2.5 0.5 5 27 47.5 Salt E 2.5 — 4 28 47 Salt E 2.5 0.54.3 29 47.5 Salt B/E 1.25/1.25 — 4.7 30 47 Salt B/E 1.25/1.25 0.5 3.7

[0123] TABLE III Polyether MD₂M, Siloxane, H₂O, EX Amount PolyetherAmount Amount Clean- # (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 31 49.5 Oil — — —5 32 49.5 Oil A 0.5 — 5 33 49 Oil A 0.5 0.5 4.3 34 49.5 Oil F 0.5 — 4.335 49 Oil F 0.5 0.5 4.3 36 49.5 Oil B 0.5 — 4.3 37 49 Oil B 0.5 0.5 4.338 49.5 Oil C 0.5 — 5 39 49 Oil C 0.5 0.5 5 40 49.5 Oil D 0.5 — 5 41 49Oil D 0.5 0.5 5 42 49.5 Oil E 0.5 — 5 43 49 Oil E 0.5 0.5 4.7 44 49.5Oil B/E 0.25/0.25 — 4.7 45 49 Oil B/E 0.25/0.25 0.5 4.7

[0124] TABLE IV Polyether MD₂M, Siloxane, H₂O, EX Amount PolyetherAmount Amount Clean- # (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 46 47.5 Oil — — —5 47 47.5 Oil A 2.5 — 4.3 48 47 Oil A 2.5 0.5 5 49 47.5 Oil F 2.5 — 4.750 47 Oil F 2.5 0.5 4.3 51 47.5 Oil B 2.5 — 5 52 47 Oil B 2.5 0.5 4.3 5347.5 Oil C 2.5 — 5 54 47 Oil C 2.5 0.5 4 55 47.5 Oil D 2.5 — 5 56 47 OilD 2.5 0.5 5 57 47.5 Oil E 2.5 — 5 58 47 Oil E 2.5 0.5 5 59 47.5 Oil B/E1.25/1.25 — 4.7 60 47 Oil B/E 1.25/1.25 0.5 4.3

[0125] TABLE V D₅/ Polyether MD₂M, Siloxane, H₂O, EX Amount PolyetherAmount Amount Clean- # (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 61 24.75/24.75Salt — — — 3 62 24.75/24.75 Salt A 0.5 — 4.3 63 24.5/24.5 Salt A 0.5 0.54 64 24.75/24.75 Salt F 0.5 — 4 65 24.5/24.5 Salt F 0.5 0.5 5 6624.75/24.75 Salt B 0.5 — 4.3 67 24.5/24.5 Salt B 0.5 0.5 5 6824.75/24.75 Salt C 0.5 — 3.3 69 24.5/24.5 Salt C 0.5 0.5 4 7024.75/24.75 Salt D 0.5 — 4.3 71 24.5/24.5 Salt D 0.5 0.5 5 7224.75/24.75 Salt E 0.5 — 4 73 24.5/24.5 Salt E 0.5 0.5 4.7 7424.75/24.75 Salt B/E 0.25/0.25 — 3.3 75 24.5/24.5 Salt B/E 0.25/0.25 0.54

[0126] TABLE VI Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX D₅/MD₂M, Polyether AmountAmount Clean- # Amount (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 76 24.75/24.75Salt — — — 2.7 77 23.75/23.75 Salt A 2.5 — 4.3 78 23.5/23.5 Salt A 2.50.5 5 79 23.75/23.75 Salt F 2.5 — 4 80 23.5/23.5 Salt F 2.5 0.5 4.7 8123.75/23.75 Salt B 2.5 — 4.7 82 23.5/23.5 Salt B 2.5 0.5 4.7 8323.75/23.75 Salt C 2.5 — 3.3 84 23.5/23.5 Salt C 2.5 0.5 5 8523.75/23.75 Salt D 2.5 — 4.7 86 23.5/23.5 Salt D 2.5 0.5 5 8723.75/23.75 Salt E 2.5 — 4 88 23.5/23.5 Salt E 2.5 0.5 4 89 23.75/23.75Salt B/E 1.25/1.25 — 4.7 90 23.5/23.5 Salt B/E 1.25/1.25 0.5 3.7

[0127] TABLE VII Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX D₅/MD₂M, Polyether AmountAmount Clean- # Amount (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 91 24.75/24.75 Oil— — — 3 92 24.75/24.75 Oil A 0.5 — 4.7 93 24.5/24.5 Oil A 0.5 0.5 4.7 9424.75/24.75 Oil F 0.5 — 4.3 95 24.5/24.5 Oil F 0.5 0.5 4.7 9624.75/24.75 Oil B 0.5 — 4.3 97 24.5/24.5 Oil B 0.5 0.5 4.7 9824.75/24.75 Oil C 0.5 — 4.7 99 24.5/24.5 Oil C 0.5 0.5 4 100 24.75/24.75Oil D 0.5 — 5 101 24.5/24.5 Oil D 0.5 0.5 5 102 24.75/24.75 Oil E 0.5 —5 103 24.5/24.5 Oil E 0.5 0.5 4.7 104 24.75/24.75 Oil B/E 0.25/0.25 —4.3 105 24.5/24.5 Oil B/E 0.25/0.25 0.5 4.3

[0128] TABLE VIII Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX D₅/MD₂M, Polyether AmountAmount Clean- # Amount (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 106 24.75/24.75Oil — — — 5 107 23.75/23.75 Oil A 2.5 — 4.7 108 23.5/23.5 Oil A 2.5 0.55 109 23.75/23.75 Oil F 2.5 — 4.7 110 23.5/23.5 Oil F 2.5 0.5 4.7 11123.75/23.75 Oil B 2.5 — 5 112 23.5/23.5 Oil B 2.5 0.5 4.3 11323.75/23.75 Oil C 2.5 — 5 114 23.5/23.5 Oil C 2.5 0.5 5 115 23.75/23.75Oil D 2.5 — 5 116 23.5/23.5 Oil D 2.5 0.5 5 117 23.75/23.75 Oil E 2.5 —5 118 23.5/23.5 Oil E 2.5 0.5 5 119 23.75/23.75 Oil B/E 1.25/1.25 — 4.7120 23.5/23.5 Oil B/E 1.25/1.25 0.5 4.3

[0129] TABLE IX Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX D₅/MD₂M, Polyether AmountAmount Clean- # Amount (g) Stain Siloxane (g) (g) ing 121  4.95/44.55Salt E 0.5 — 2.7 122  4.9/44.1 Salt E 0.5 0.5 5 123 12.37/37.13 Salt E0.5 — 3 124 12.25/36.75 Salt E 0.5 0.5 4.7 125 24.75/24.75 Salt E 0.5 —3.5 126 24.5/24.5 Salt E 0.5 0.5 4.5 127 37.13/12.37 Salt E 0.5 — 3 12836.75/12.25 Salt E 0.5 0.5 5 129 44.55/4.95  Salt E 0.5 — 2.7 13044.10/4.9  Salt E 0.5 0.5 4.7

[0130] Examples 131-162 were conducted using 2″×2″ blue 60/40 cottonpolyester textile swatches. The salt concentration in the salt solutionused to stain the swatches was either 20%, 8% or 7% by weight, as notedin the TABLES X-XIV below. The testing was conducted in the same manneras and the results ranked on the same scale as in Examples 1-130 above.The amounts of linear or cyclic siloxane, polyether siloxane and waterused in each of Examples 131-162, as well as the type of stain and theresults obtained in each of those examples are set forth in TABLES X-XIVbelow. TABLE X Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX MD₂M, Stain Polyether AmountAmount Clean- # Amount (g) (20%) Siloxane (g) (g) ing 131 49.5 Salt — —— 3 132 49.5 Salt E 0.5 — 2.7 133 49 Salt E 0.5 0.5 3 134 49.5 Salt C0.5 — 4 135 49 Salt C 0.5 0.5 4.3 136 49 Oil — — — 5 137 49.5 Oil E 0.5— 5 138 49 Oil E 0.5 0.5 5 139 49.5 Oil C 0.5 — 5 140 49 Oil C 0.5 0.5 5141 49 Salt E 0.5 1.5 4.7

[0131] TABLE XI Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX MD₂M, Stain Polyether AmountAmount Clean- # Amount (g) (7%) Siloxane (g) (g) ing 142 49.5 Salt — — —3 143 49.5 Salt E 0.5 — 3 144 49 Salt E 0.5 0.5 5 145 49.5 Salt C 0.5 —4.3 146 49 Salt C 0.5 0.5 4

[0132] TABLE XII Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX D₅/MD₂M, Stain PolyetherAmount Amount Clean- # Amount (g) (20%) Siloxane (g) (g) ing 14724.75/24.75 Salt — — — 3.3 148 24.75/24.75 Salt E 0.5 — 3.3 14924.5/24.5 Salt E 0.5 0.5 3 150 24.75/24.75 Salt C 0.5 — 4 151 24.5/24.5Salt C 0.5 0.5 4.7 152 24.75/24.75 Oil — — — 5 153 24.75/24.75 Oil E 0.5— 5 154 24.5/24.5 Oil E 0.5 0.5 5 155 24.75/24.75 Oil C 0.5 — 5 15624.5/24.5 Oil C 0.5 0.5 5 157 24.75/24.75 Salt E 0.5 1.5 3.3

[0133] TABLE XIII Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX MD₂M, Stain PolyetherAmount Amount Clean- # Amount (g) (7%) Siloxane (g) (g) ing 15824.75/24.75 Salt — — — 3.3 159 24.75/24.75 Salt E 0.5 — 2 160 24.5/24.5Salt E 0.5 0.5 4.7 151 24.75/24.75 Salt C 0.5 — 3 152 24.5/24.5 Salt C0.5 0.5 2

[0134] TABLE XIV Polyether Siloxane, H₂O, EX D₅/MD₂M, Stain PolyetherAmount Amount Clean- # Amount (g) (8%) Siloxane (g) (g) ing 153 4.95/44.55 Salt E 0.5 — 2.7 154  4.9/44.1 Salt E 0.5 0.5 3.7 15512.37/37.13 Salt E 0.5 — 3.3 156 12.25/36.75 Salt E 0.5 0.5 4.3 15724.75/24.75 Salt E 0.5 — 4 158 24.5/24.5 Salt E 0.5 0.5 4.3 15937.13/12.37 Salt E 0.5 — 3.7 160 36.75/12.25 Salt E 0.5 0.5 3.7 16144.55/4.95  Salt E 0.5 — 3.3 162 44.10/4.9  Salt E 0.5 0.5 4

Having described the invention that which is claimed is:
 1. A drycleaning composition, comprising a volatile cyclic, linear or branchedsiloxane, or mixture thereof, and two or more organic surfactants. 2.The composition of claim 1, comprising from about 90 to about 99.99parts by weight of the volatile siloxane and from about 0.001 to lessthan 10 parts by weight of the surfactants.
 3. The composition of claim2, further comprising from about 0.01 to about 15 parts by weight ofwater.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactants areselected from the classes of nonionic, cationic, anionic and amphotericsurfactants.
 5. The composition of claim 1, further comprising asilicone surfactant or mixture of silicone surfactants.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1, comprising two or more nonionic surfactants. 7.The composition claim 1, comprising two or more cationic surfactants. 8.The composition of claim 1, comprising two or more anionic surfactants.9. The composition of claim 1 comprising two or more amphotericsurfactants.
 10. The composition of claim 6, further comprising asilicone surfactant or mixture of silicone surfactants.
 11. Thecomposition of claim 7, further comprising a silicone surfactant ormixture of silicone surfactants.
 12. The composition of claim 8, furthercomprising a silicone surfactant or mixture of silicone surfactants. 13.The composition of claim 9, further comprising a silicone surfactant ormixture of silicone surfactants.
 14. A dry cleaning composition,comprising a volatile cyclic, linear or branched siloxane, or mixturethereof, and three or more organic surfactants.
 15. The composition ofclaim 14, comprising from about 90 to about 99.99 parts by weight of thevolatile siloxane and from about 0.001 to less than 10 parts by weightof the surfactants.
 16. The composition of claim 15, further comprisingfrom about 0.01 to about 15 parts by weight of water.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 14, wherein the surfactants are selected from theclasses of nonionic, cationic, anionic and amphoteric surfactants. 18.The composition of claim 14, further comprising a silicone surfactant ormixture of silicone surfactants.
 19. The composition of claim 14,comprising two or more nonionic surfactants.
 20. The composition claim14, comprising two or more cationic surfactants.
 21. The composition ofclaim 14, comprising two or more anionic surfactants.
 22. Thecomposition of claim 14 comprising two or more amphoteric surfatctants.23. The composition of claim 19, further comprising a siliconesurfactant or mixture of silicone surfactants.
 24. The composition ofclaim 20, further comprising a silicone surfactant or mixture ofsilicone surfactants.
 25. The composition of claim 21, furthercomprising a silicone surfactant or mixture of silicone surfactants. 26.The composition of claim 22, further comprising a silicone surfactant ormixture of silicone surfactants.